TV Doubles as Artwork

Photo credit: Samsung

Today most waiting and patient rooms have a television. A TV becomes the focal point in the room begging the individual to watch. When I was a practicing physician, I visited many patient rooms where the television was almost always on…and unfortunately usually tuned to a news station with Breaking News about some disaster. How can broadcast television help the healing process? It doesn’t. An alternative to broadcast television is The Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment (CARE) Channel which provides a loop of nature images and sounds to help soothe a patient. Since CARE is celebrating their 25th anniversary, we know that hospitals believe in the power of nature even if it’s reproduced on a screen. Fast forward to tomorrow, Samsung debuts the Frame TV which doubles as a framed art piece when not in broadcast mode. According to the Engadget who reviewed the Frame TV – “Frame TV comes with 100 art pieces preloaded, ranging from categories such as landscape, action, architecture, drawings and wildlife along with access to upload your own work of art through USB”. That is cool! Sometimes you want the TV off, but instead of a black hole to draw you in you can bring art into the room. And you’re in control of the artwork!

Why This Blog?

I started this blog several years ago to learn more from experts about using art in healthcare. It became the basis for my book "Picture of Health: Handbook for Healthcare Art." The intended audience includes interior designers, art consultants, architects, framers, hospital staff and artists. As a doctor, I know what stressful places hospitals can be. Hopefully the blog will help us all create more comforting, healing places.